A year ago, I purchased an antique rocking horse from an acquaintance. It was beige and had no detailing on it, but I saw potential.

I immediately envisioned it being turquoise. I set out to sand it, but discovered so many layers of old paint that were stubborn and would need to be chemically removed. So, I handed the horse over to my father in law, who I knew could help with this.

Under the layers of paint emerged what could’ve been the original details of the horse. The layers removed were beige, light pink, dark brown, and finally, white. Signs of all the lives the horse had lived! Once all paint was stripped, it was time to fill holes with wood filler and sand smooth.

Finally, the horse had a smooth clean surface to work with. I wanted to do right by the horse and respect it by giving it a new life and restore it properly. That was important to me. I didn’t want to just slap on another layer of paint. It was a lot of hard work that wound up taking a year, but the end results were worth it. It turned out beautifully!

I painted the horse with turquoise paint. With a dark brown saddle, I felt it was complimentary. It took three coats to properly coat the horse.

Turquoise Rocking Horse

I could’ve left the horse as is at this point, but felt restoring facial details were important to the piece.

After all the painting was complete, I added corresponding colored leather ears (which I cut and shaped myself) and a super soft white cotton yarn tail. My husband helped me drill the hole for a tail, since the horse never had one. I attached the ears with heart shaped furniture tacks. I even gave the horse a name! Introducing Charlie Horse!

Aside from all the work involved, it took a year to complete because I had health issues I was dealing with. But it was a labor of love. I enjoyed the project immensely. The plan was to surprise my niece and nephew with it for Christmas, so the project was extra special and meant so much to me.

I wish this story had a happy ending, but unfortunately that’s just not reality. My niece and nephew will never get to enjoy the fruits of my labor.

I shipped through UPS. I paid to have it packaged with extra care. But the box arrived to them damaged.

Not only was the box damaged, but the horse was destroyed. The legs were broken completely off. The rocker was also damaged. And if UPS refunds me the shipping and packing fees and the insurance I paid for, it still won’t be enough to replace this horse and what it meant. It was irreplaceable. Rest in peace, Charlie. I’m sorry this was your fate.

My brother said he might try to glue it back together. I’m just not sure it’ll work. It certainly won’t be pretty and my niece may be the only one light enough to use it.

With my recent health issues and my dog almost dying, we have exhausted our resources to medical bills. But I spent what little I had left to ship that horse because I wanted someone I love to have a special Christmas. Despite my family’s woes, I sincerely hope you, dear reader, have a beautiful Christmas with your loved ones. Hold them extra tight. Hopefully, next year will be better for my family.

I appreciate a follow, a like, and if you have it in your heart to help, I have links to my PayPal and shops on my Link Tree. Thank you so very much. Blessings to you and yours today and always.

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